Empty fruit bunches (EFB) is becoming a
popular source of fuel for renewable energy (RE) power generation.
The rapid depletion of fossil fuel and most developed nations are
pursuing the development of biomass as an alternative method of power
generation.

Malaysia has a ready source of biomass
in Empty fruit bunches (EFB) conveniently collected and available for
exploitation in all palm oil mills.

When convert the energy in the most
efficient manner, Malaysia is well on the way to this most important
sustainable source of energy for this century.
The main achievement of using biomass-based RE power generation is the
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

In Sabah, large quantities
of palm waste called Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) are available from
plantations where palm oil is produced. In its raw state, EFB is both
very fibrous and wet. If it could be dried, it would be an excellent fuel
for power boilers. FASC Malaysia has installed a KDS machine in the 14
MWe TSH Biomass Power Plant in Kunak, Malaysia, for the purpose of drying
EFB. Called the KDS MF-777,
it dries and shreds EFB so that it can be burned as a fuel. At present,
only one-sixth of the fuel input needed by the TSH power plant is supplied
by the KDS MF-777. The KDS MF-777 processes 3750 kg/hr of raw EFB having
a moisture content of 52 % and produces 3000 kg/hr of shredded EFB which
has a moisture content of 40 % - this is dry enough for burning on a
grate. The power consumption of the MF-777 is only 200 kW, under these
operating conditions. This translates to a drying energy consumption of
only 960 kJ per kg of water removal (= 414 BTU/lb) or only 44 % of the
latent heat of water! No other dryer technology can match the low energy
consumption of the KDS MF-777. It is well-known among power plant
engineers that every percentage point of moisture in the fuel causes 0.5-1
% reduction in the electricity produced. Thus, the estimated maximum
possible increase in the TSH power plant output because of drying the fuel
in the KDS MF-777 is 0.84-1.68 MWe. Thus, a net overall increase in the
total power generated becomes possible due to the KDS MF-777. Therefore,
the cost of the KDS equipment can be recouped from the extra revenue from
the increased electricity production.

Oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) is yet
to be fully utilised economically. RFB has been a subject of environmental
concern, whereas its handling in the palm oil mill also consumes
unproductive cost and energy.

Material recovery from conversion of agricultural solid wastes into potential
construction products has not only benefited the environment but also helps
preserve natural resources. EFB (empty fruit bunch) is one of such solid waste
generated in oil palm planted throughout Malaysia over 4 million hectares land,
which remains unutilised commercially. Hence, it has been verified in
engineering properties and construction products made from EFB satisfy the
requirement of consumers' trend using products made from eco-friendly and
natural waste.